Can someone explain the importance of Twitter to me?

[Alcon]

For what I can tell, it's like Facebook statuses, except without any of the other Facebook features.

But next time I want to know whether Ron Wyden missed his freeway exit, goshdarnit, I guess I'll just have to sign up.

(Caveat: If I was into reality television, I imagine I'd be into Twitter too.  Voyeurism can be interesting, but largely I think politicians are boring subjects.)